Saturday, 25 August 2018

Hi! I thought it's been such a long time... so here's a very long-overdue update of what I've been up to:

- I've been running a lot of manga workshops and projects this year. The Dunstable one finished in early May - it turned out to be extremely successful, so much so that many of the participants have decided to keep in touch and meet up in the Library for a bit of drawing and a chat! Here's some of the (very flattering) feedback from the project:

"I learned to let my imagination run wild sometimes""I learned how to draw and adapt my style in different ways. It also helped me overcome my social anxiety (I only had a little) and I'm glad I went here. I am going to miss you all""The best thing was that I was around people that liked what I do"

- This summer, I was also part of Bradford Literature Festival - it was amazing, and I really want to go back and take part in Bradford Comico, an up-and-coming comics, manga and book-related mini-convention. I discovered so many talented creators!

- I've been working on a new graphic novel - as a historical fantasy set in early medieval Britain, it couldn't be more different from Chemical Blue! I'm absolutely relishing the creative process, and wish I had more time to spend on it.

- Last but most definitely not the least... I have gone back to University! I am studying on PGCert Artist Teacher Scheme at Oxford Brookes. So far, it has been absolutely mind-blowingly amazing. The course is run in partnership with Pitt-Rivers Museum in Oxford - if you have a chance, please visit it, it's incredible! I have only just started the course but it has already broadened my horizons and made me re-evaluate my practice as an educator and artist. I intend to regularly document my progression on the course, so watch this space!

- As always, keep an eye out on my Workshops and Events page for details of upcoming events, and keep up with my art and stuff on my Instagram account @irinarichardsart Enjoy the new school year and #staycreative!

Sunday, 15 April 2018

Over the last few weeks, I have been honoured to work on a series of workshops at Dunstable Library. Manga Mania is a 10-week project for 11-16-year-olds, focusing on different aspects of manga drawing. I have been very lucky to work with extremely talented and overall lovely young people, and have another great artist and person, Arkolina, as my mentee. (Yes indeed, I feel like I'm a proper adult now - a mentor, no less!) The project will run for another 5 weeks (until 19th May). Here are some highlights:

In other news, I've got a few things in the pipeline, including... a new graphic novel! Watch this space...

Wednesday, 23 August 2017

Hi everyone! How's your summer going? I've been quite busy both at home (with three kids out of school/nursery life can become a bit manic!) and art-wise. I've been leading manga workshops at Newmarket Library and have come across many young people who are genuinely interested in drawing, improving their skills, and manga/anime/comics. They have been a pleasure to teach!

In my workshops, I often come across people saying "I wish they taught manga at school", "but in art lessons we don't do anything manga/anime related" etc. First and foremost, I have to say - your art education doesn't finish the time your school day finishes. You can always continue to evolve and develop in your own time - practice, sketching, following video tutorials on YouTube, anything that helps you. If you want to draw manga - just do it!

Having said that, it's always nice to come across teachers/courses that are supportive towards budding manga artists. I have recently found out about Online College of Art and Design - it is part of Cambridge Online Education that offers a range of online courses, from GCSE level to Foundation degrees. But the main reason that this college caught my eye is that it offers manga as one of their Art&Design pathways! So if you want to work towards a GCSE/BTEC level qualification while pursuing your special interest in manga, this course enables you to do so. It's always great to see manga-style illustration to be more accepted! Please see the College's website for more info!

Another very good option is, of course, the Arts Award - I have been an Arts Award adviser for a number of years, and I have to say it's a really good programme to be a part of. Not only does it allow for creative freedom (you can practice any art form you choose!) and gives you a recognised qualification, it also lets you develop leadership skills. You can find a centre in your area and join up any time if you are up to 26 years old!

Monday, 15 May 2017

A few weeks ago, I attended a Project Bootcamp - a day dedicated to bring artists and other creatives and arts organisations together to discuss community arts projects. It was the first event of its kind I attended and I really enjoyed it! The atmosphere was really friendly and productive (no phones allowed!) and the Market Place staff leading it really made the whole event a success. I've made some really interesting connections with other creatives - it was so great talking about art (and how little time we have to create...)Here are more details about it (I can't believe they included my derpy feedback as well!). I have learned a great deal - but the three main points are:
1. Connecting with audiences. If you are planning a project, your first question should be not "What is my project going to be?", but "Who is it going to be for?".
2. There are so many interesting art-related things happening around us. Around you, wherever you are, there are exciting projects going on - just come off your customary Facebook-Twitter-Instagram route and search for arts organisations near you!
3. If you have a project in mind, it is possible to make it a reality. IT IS. Really. Whatever it is. There are opportunities and possibilities, people who are interested in the same thing. Connect with them, discuss your project with them, make it happen! #staycreative

Sunday, 22 May 2016

Many thanks for all those who came to Linton Children's Book Festival today! I enjoyed drawing portraits, and the drawing session was fantastic (and very lively). Hope you all had a good time ^^ Lots of photos from the festival are here!

Friday, 8 January 2016

Just a little heads-up regarding what's been happening. As you know I had the second volume of Chemical Blue out in October 2015. Many thanks to all of you who bought and read it, it really means the world to me!
I am on a bit of a hiatus until Easter 2016 because... I had another baby! Yes, ANOTHER one! So I have 3 now... But I'll be back in action very soon! Watch this space, and enjoy the fresh new year.